Identification of Bacterial Composition of the Nostrils of Primary School Children; Case Study of FUDMA Staff School, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

Abstract

The nasal microbiome consists of a diverse community of microorganisms, with bacteria which are essential for maintaining nasal and respiratory health. This research work aimed at identifying the bacterial composition of the nostrils of primary school-aged children at Federal University Dustin-Ma; staff School, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, Nigeria. Sterile swab sticks were used to collect 25 samples of each male and female primary school children enrolled at FUDMA Staff School. The samples were then transported to the Department of Microbiology of FUDMA for analysis. Standard laboratory techniques were used for the isolation and identification of the organisms. Results revealed that all samples collected had three main bacterial species which include: Staphylococcus spp. 46(92%), Streptococcus spp. 37(74%), and Corynebacterium spp. 7(14%). Demographic factors like age and gender slightly affect bacterial composition. Children aged 8-10 had the highest bacterial colony counts, likely due to differences in personal hygiene, with males showing a slightly higher bacterial presence. Children exposed to smoke and household pets had higher colony counts of 103 and 96CFU/ml respectively than those not exposed. Additionally, the sources of drinking water all showed different profiles, well water had the highest mean colony count of 98CFU/ml and Borehole water had the lowest mean colony count of 66CFU/ml. The research highlights the importance of understanding the bacterial composition of the nasal microbiome in children. Hence, there is a need to create proper awareness among the general populace on the effects of the factors that influence the nascent nasal microbiome of nostrils among primary school children.